Entry and exit

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. Contact the Chief, Division of Immigration & Labor Department of Justice FSM National Government, PO Box PS-105, Palikir, Pohnpei FM 96941, for the most up-to-date information.Tel: 691.320.5844/2605 Fax: 691.320.7250/6240 E-mail: imhq@mail.fm

All airports (both domestic and international) have a departure fee of between US$15 and $20 that you must pay in cash when departing each airport. Ensure you have cash with you as ATM facilities are generally not available at airports.

If you are transiting Guam or another US point of entry en route to the Federated States of Micronesia, you are required to meet USA entry/transit requirements. Make sure you check visa requirements with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate well in advance of your travel. For more information, refer to our travel advice for the United States of America.

Make sure your passport has at least six months validity from your planned date of return to Australia. You should carry copies of a recent passport photo with you in case you need a replacement passport while overseas.

Unaccompanied minors should carry a notarised letter of consent signed by their parents when travelling to the Federated States of Micronesia.

Each island has its own customs and immigration procedures. customs and visa information is available here.

Safety and security

Terrorism

Crime

The crime rate in the Federated States of Micronesia is low, although, there are incidents of petty crime, especially house break-ins.

The incidence of crime is higher in Chuuk than other states in Micronesia. Foreigners have been subject to theft, verbal and physical assaults. Alcohol has played a major role in most crimes, especially assaults. The risk of being involved in an incident increases at night.

Sexual assaults against foreigners have occurred. Travellers should avoid going out alone at night or in the early morning, or being alone in isolated locations, including beaches.

Money and valuables

The US dollar is the official currency of the Federated States of Micronesia.

Local travel

Australians can drive on an Australian driver’s licence for one month after entering the Federated States of Micronesia. Australians should be aware that vehicles are driven on the right side of the road. Driving can be hazardous due to poor maintenance of roads, poor driving standards and a lack of streetlights. The condition of roads can quickly deteriorate after heavy rain. For further advice, see our road travel page.

The safety standards you might expect of tour operators are not always met, especially for adventure sports such as diving and yachting. Sufficient life jackets and adequate safety equipment may not be provided. Recommended maintenance standards and safety precautions may not be observed. Check operators' credentials and safety equipment beforehand and ensure your travel insurance policy covers your planned activities. Divers visiting the Federated States of Micronesia should have travel and health insurance that includes coverage for deep sea diving, hyperbaric chamber and evacuation costs.

There are dangerous currents in some channels. These can pose a risk to swimmers and surfers. Advice should be sought from locals on danger spots before swimming.

Unexploded World War II ordnance still exists in the Federated States of Micronesia, especially around Yap harbour and adjacent channels. Care should be taken when boating or diving. It is dangerous and illegal to remove objects from sunken World War II wrecks.

Airline safety

The Australian Government does not provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. See instead the Aviation Safety Network website for information on aviation safety in the Federated States of Micronesia.

Please also refer to our general air travel page for information on aviation safety and security.

Laws

When you are in the Federated States of Micronesia, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail. Research local laws before travelling.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

There are heavy penalties for drug offences including long jail terms and heavy fines.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism, forced marriage, female genital mutilation, child pornography, and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism and child pornography laws. These laws provide severe penalties for up to 25 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in child sexual exploitation while outside of Australia.

Local customs

There are conservative standards of dress and behaviour in the Federated States of Micronesia and you should take care not to offend. Women in particular should dress modestly and wear clothing that is at least knee length if outside of resorts.

Health

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Divers visiting the Federated States of Micronesia should have travel and health insurance that includes coverage for deep sea diving, hyperbaric chamber and evacuation costs. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for a traveller's medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs.

It is important to consider your physical and mental health before travelling overseas. We encourage you to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our health page also provides useful information for travellers on staying healthy.

Hospital and medical facilities are adequate for routine medical services. Basic supplies and medicines can be limited. Hospitals and doctors may require up-front payment for medical services. Evacuation may be required in cases of serious illness or accident. Medical evacuation costs could be considerable (in the tens of thousands of dollars).

Decompression chambers are available in Yap, Chuuk and Pohnpei Availability and level of staff experience varies considerably.

Outbreaks of dengue fever can occur, including serious outbreaks from time to time. You should monitor local media for health announcements and take precautions against being bitten by mosquitoes, including using insect repellent at all times, wearing long, loose-fitting, light coloured clothing and ensuring your accommodation is mosquito proof. For further information see the WHO factsheet on dengue fever.

Outbreaks of leptospirosis can occur, including serious outbreaks from time to time, especially around Pohnpei. It is recommended you wear closed-in shoes when walking along the water’s edge, avoid swimming and playing in muddy water, and store food in enclosed containers. For information on leptospirosis, see the World Health Organization website.

Where to get help

Depending on the nature of your enquiry, your best option may be to contact your family, friends, airline, travel agent, tour operator, employer or travel insurance provider in the first instance.

In Chuuk, Kosrae and Yap the emergency contact number for police and fire is 911; in Ponhpei dial 320 221.In the Federated States of Micronesia you can obtain consular assistance from the:

Australian Embassy, Pohnpei

If you are travelling to the Federated States of Micronesia, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register online or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305, or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In the event of an approaching typhoon, you should identify your local shelter. Flights and ferry services in and out of affected areas can be unsafe and could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. The typhoon could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe typhoon may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should review and follow hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. passport, photo identification) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness page from the Australian Emergency Management Institute.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Additional Resources

For additional general and economic information to assist travelling in this country, see the following links:

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While every care has been taken in preparing this information, neither the Australian Government nor its agents or employees, including any member of Australia's diplomatic and consular staff abroad, can accept liability for any injury, loss or damage arising in respect of any statement contained herein.

Maps are presented for information only. The department accepts no responsibility for errors or omission of any geographic feature. Nomenclature and territorial boundaries may not necessarily reflect Australian Government policy.